Solarhelp

Solar Panel

General

General

Advantages of Solar Energy

Advantages of Solar Energy

Are you interested in getting free electric power generation? Are you tired of letting the companies take all the money you have earned? Well you can save all your hard earned money by simply generating power from the natural resources. Using the natural resources will help you cut down on your electric bill and save you a lot of money.

One of the natural resources you can use to get electricity is the sun. Solar energy is considered the force for the future. Using solar to generate energy has its many advantages.

Advantages of using the sun

A� Solar energy is renewable. The sun is always there during the day and therefore we can never run out of it. With this constant supply of energy you can be sure that the next day you will still be able to use the solar energy. Unlike oil which is not renewable at all.

A� Using solar power is pollution free. When you use the sun to generate power for your home you will not cause any form of pollution to the environment that may result to global warming and many other pollution effects.

A� The sun is free and therefore this makes it the cheapest way of getting energy. All you need are solar panels and you will be enjoying the free given sun at your home.

A� If you live in a very remote location then this will been of great advantage to you. Solar power can be harness if you live in a place far from any town or urban center.

A� Some place can be hard to build power lines and therefore the only option you may have is using the sun for your daily home energy routine.

A� The solar cells are quite silent. The cells extract energy from the sun without making any noise at all. This would not be the same if you were using a big machine to drill oil from the ground so that you can use it.

A� The solar cells do not require a lot of maintenance. You do not need to keep checking them every time as they do not have any moving parts that may require regular checking and fixing.

A� The solar panels are quite easy to install. They will not also cost you a lot of money to do so.…

General

Roof Damaged By Solar Panels?

Roof Damaged By Solar Panels?

The best choice to reduce this so-called global warming as well as your carbon footprint on this environment, which keeps us healthy, would be to opt for solar panels. Solar panels not only reduce these things and make the environment we live in better, but also, it is a great way to trim down those energy costs. This advantage of these panels has let many companies and manufacturers in to developing various and innovative kind of technologies, with which homeowners are taking advantage and are making the environment greener.

But when they opt for panels, there is one question always hanging on their heads: if we opt for solar panels to heat our home, it wouldn’t do us good if the roof fell in would it?” This question that the significant weight of the panel increases the chance of damaging your roof, since roof is the place where the panels could catch the best and uninterrupted solar energy, is popping up in everyone’s minds. However, it’s a baseless question. If you have heard someone’s roof being damaged due to the panels, it is possibly because their roof was already damaged even before they installed the panels onto it.

The manufacturing companies take special care when installing the panels at your home and evenly divide the weight of the panels on the roof, so that no place is bearing more weight than it should. Different roofs are made in different ways, but most of the roofs can handle 8-10/sq. foot as it is. Also, with the increase of innovations in this field, companies are moving towards making lighter and sleeker panels so that they are easy to carry. But since this has just started, such panels would be more expensive. So, if you think your roof is withered, replace it or fix it before installing solar panels.…

General

Solar Panel Climate Issue – Will It Actually Work During Winter?

Solar Panel Climate Issue – Will It Actually Work During Winter?

If you live in an area with 4 seasons and would want solar panels installed in your house you are bound to ask if they will work during winter time?

Is it actually possible for it to work during cloudy times of the day and if there is not as much as sun as summer. To answer this quickly, yes solar panels already work even if it is cloudy or if there is less sunlight as long as you pick the right type of solar panel for this setup.

There are two types of systems the off-grid and grid type systems for solar panel installation. The off-grid setup has batteries and is independent on the local electrical company for backup energy.

These batteries will store excess electrical energy and should be useful during cloudy times of the year and if it is properly setup for your region they will have enough batteries for cloudy days since the more energy storage you have the more excess energy your panels can store. Just in case you have issues with an off-grid system a backup generator is usually used by people who use this solar energy system just in case they lose power.

If you have a grid type system it is much simpler since it will automatically “shift” to your local electrical company’s energy line once there is no solar energy available this setup is easier than off-grid and will lower your electricity bills without the risk of power outage.

So Solar Panels actually work during winter, it is just a matter of doing due diligence and of course conserving energy especially if you are on an off-grid setup to prevent any problems later on.…

General

5 Reasons Why Solar Home Thermal Energy Is So Attractive To People

5 Reasons Why Solar Home Thermal Energy Is So Attractive To People

Utilizing the power of the sun as an alternative source of energy in the home is really the most popular choice of any of the new eco-friendly power choices today. At present most of us use forms of energy in our homes that are limited non-renewable and pollute our environment. Today solar home thermal energy is becoming the way to heat your home both now and for the future.

There are different ways of harnessing solar energy and putting it to work for us. The two most popular are solar thermal energy systems and solar electric systems.

Solar thermal energy systems are used to heat our homes and to heat the hot water we use instead of using oil or gas. It uses solar collectors to collect heat energy and then utilizes it in our heating and plumbing systems.

Solar electric systems utilize the sun energy and convert it into electricity through the use of solar photovoltaic panels.

The advantages of using solar power are abundant:

1. Solar power is great for the environment as it is completely emission-free. Even a small solar system can save huge on the CO2s emitted each year from your home. Not only that but solar power is also silent.

2. Solar power can effectively insure you against the ever rising costs of gas and oil prices. And the higher these energy prices are the quicker you recover your investment costs.

3. Solar systems reduce your oil and gas consumption, and thereby reduce the influence of oil rich countries controlling the majority of the world, including your lives.

4. Solar systems are a valued amenity and increase the value of your home sometimes even higher than the price of your investment.

5. Solar systems give you independence from the systems supplying traditional energy and therefore from the big companies which own them and are looking for huge profits at the consumer’s expense.

At the present time solar science is at a point where it is possible to convert sizable amounts of solar energy into usable energy for our needs, but we fall way short in our use of it. This is due to many things. People are still hooked into the traditional fuels which are from finite resources from the earth that are not only harmful to the planet but a foolish waste of these resources.

So now with this little bit of background info on the problems of doing nothing and why we need to change for our future generations are you still going to sit pat and do nothing? The benefits of solar energy greatly outweigh the negatives. In fact the only downside to solar power is the initial investment. But these costs are coming down and fairly quickly as more and more people convert to use solar energy and the efficiency will continue to increase.

Even if you decide you can’t afford or aren’t willing to afford one right now at least you now know what you need to know for when you are ready to invest in your own home solar energy system. But I encourage you to become a part of the movement to save our planet right away. It is not only the smart thing to do but the right thing to do.…

General

Solar Energy For Homes – Using Solar Panels

Solar Energy For Homes – Using Solar Panels

Using solar energy for homes has its own benefits. After the recession when many homeowners have felt the impact of not being able to pay for their electricity bills, who wouldn’t like the idea of saving some money? Which brings me to my next question, who wouldn’t want to save on monthly electrical bills? Well, the answer to all that is through using solar panels.

For those of you, who don’t know the slightest idea on how to use solar panels for your house, don’t have to fret. In this article I will be talking about how you can use solar energy for your homes effectively. To start off with, you need to know how much requirement you need for your house. Before that, you will need to have a good idea on your surroundings.

If you are living in a hilly and heavily forested area, then I’m afraid you might not be able to use solar power very effectively. If your place doesn’t have sun light all through the year, then that also can be a problem. Of course, the sun doesn’t shine throughout the whole year, but you can still make use of the electricity which comes from the solar power systems.

Using solar energy for homes is a very wise idea as you simply collect the sun rays and then convert it to electricity by using solar panels. With this you are saving about 80% on your electricity bills every month. Doesn’t that sound great? However, there is no need to cut off your existing power supply. It is not a very expensive and tedious process to build a solar power system for your house.

There are lots of sources online from which you can information on DIY solar kits. They also come with step by step instructions on how to develop homemade solar panels. They are easy to understand as the instruction material provides diagrams also which are easy to read. A word of caution though, if you are not good in electronic terms and don’t have an idea on what’s going on, it would be wise to use an electrician.

The solar panels usually don’t have high volts, but your electronic grid has and it is the best option here as you don’t want any accidents. Using solar panels are not expensive as you will need to make a small investment to enjoy an unlimited source of renewable energy. It is important that you place the solar panels where there is plenty of sunlight. It can be either placed on the roof or an open space where you get ample light.

If you can afford ready made panels of $3,000, then go ahead or you can also utilize the DIY solar panel kits that come at only $200. Make sure to select a solar power system that is required by you. You can start of with a small system and later move on with a larger system.

You will be pleased to know that you will be saving almost 80% on your monthly electricity bills. If you are residing in a place where there is lots of sunshine, then you can benefit by building your solar panels.…

General

Is 2013 the Year You Start to Take Advantage of Renewable Energy?

Is 2013 the Year You Start to Take Advantage of Renewable Energy?

The renewable energy market continues to grow, and 2013 could be the year that you discover the benefits of producing your own clean, green energy at home. Perhaps you have thought about it before but are yet to make a firm decision on whether you could take advantage of producing your own electricity. If so, here are a few reasons why you should make 2013 the year that you start to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.

Top Benefits of Renewable Energy

There are a number of reasons why installing renewable energy in your home, such as solar panels, is a great idea.

One of the main reasons for many people is that it helps you to reduce your CO2 emissions. Greenhouse gases are wreaking havoc with the climate, and producing your own green energy is one of the best ways that you can help to do your part for the environment.

One of the other benefits is that you will be able to reduce your energy bills because you will generate your own power, meaning you will never have to worry about price rises. On top of this, there are other good financial reasons to choose renewable power (more of which later on).

Types of Renewable Energy for the Home

There are many different types of renewable energy, but in the UK the two main ones are wind power and solar power.

By installing a small wind turbine on your roof or in your garden, you can take advantage of the free and abundant power of the wind to generate your electricity. However, solar panels are proving to be even more popular, and you have probably already seen them popping up on roofs all over the country. They work even when the sky is cloudy, and modern technology has made them more effective than ever.

Do the Costs Add Up?

Many people do not take advantage of renewable energy because of the costs. However, often people fail to see the whole picture. Renewable energy is free once you have installed the system, whether you install a wind turbine or solar panels on your roof. In addition, solar panels are cheaper than ever before, and they require very little maintenance, often none at all, once they have been installed.

With the Feed-in Tariffs, you get paid just for generating electricity, and you can also sell your excess energy to the grid. You can often make your money back from the installation in a few years, and then you can enjoy free electricity for many more years to come.

If you think of it as a long-term money-saving solution, generating your own green power starts to look like a very good investment.

Conclusion

Start Thinking About Generating Your Own Electricity

There are many good reasons why you may want to start thinking about installing your own solar panels or a wind turbine to produce your own electricity for your home. As energy bills continue to rise and global warming continues to be an issue, why not make 2013 the year that you start to generate your own power in your home?…

General

Going Solar – What’s it Going to Cost Me?

Going Solar – What’s it Going to Cost Me?

And the quick answer is, “Probably not as much as you’d think”. The reasons for this are many, so let’s take a look at the main ones.

Reduce Your Electricity Usage

Whether you’re planning on going solar or not, this is something everybody can and should do. And it’s something that can be done relatively easily, since it involves mainly being aware of what appliances and devices you’re using and when and making sure to unplug them when not in use, whenever possible.

For instance, if you have a fancy new 46″ LCD television and you leave it plugged in while you’re out at work during the day, the TV will still be drawing power if it’s left plugged in, since it will be in what’s known as standby mode, i.e. it will continue to draw 10 to 20 watts of power so that your screen is kept warm and the picture shows immediately when it’s turned on.

Computers, DVD players, etc., operate in a similar way and continually draw power if left plugged in. So, either unplug them when not in use or plug them into a power strip or switched circuit and turn them all off at once.

Reducing your electricity usage in this way can save you a substantial amount on your bill and makes sense for everybody, but is essential to keep the cost of a solar electric system down if you intend to go solar.

What Size System Do I Need?

An average household of 3 or 4 people in a house of about 2500 square feet would need something in the range of a 3 kilowatt system. The size of the system depends on the amount of energy used daily, and how much you’d like to reduce the amount of electricity you buy from your utility, so you may need a larger or smaller system, but 3 kilowatts should be more than enough for most average households.

That size system would cost between $24-30,000, if you were to have to pay for it all yourself, but, fortunately, there are some fantastic rebates and tax incentives available at both the Federal and State level that can reduce the final cost to you substantially.

Take Advantage Of Rebates And Tax Incentives

There are many opportunities available right now to avail yourself of substantial rebates and tax incentives at both the Federal and State levels (check with your State to find out what rebates and/or incentives they are offering, if any). These are not insignificant and can result in the cost of a new solar energy system being reduced by up to a third of the original cost.

So, a 3kW system like the one we’ve been discussing could end up costing $16-20,000 after rebates and incentives.

The cost of a solar electric system can be lessened by reducing your electricity usage and by taking advantage of rebates and incentives. The balance of the total cost will be recouped in the savings realized from reduced electricity bills within 5-10 years generally, after which you’ll be able to enjoy free electricity for another 15-20 years, since most solar panels carry a 25-30 year warranty.

The result is a win-win-win situation – you win thanks to the savings you’ll realize from reduced electricity bills; the planet wins thanks to reduced greenhouse gases; and the economy wins thanks to the jobs created in the solar energy sector.…

General

Investing in Energy – Solar Energy Investments Explored

Investing in Energy – Solar Energy Investments Explored

Solar energy investments are one of the hottest investments of the year, and for good reason. In 2009, the many companies that produce solar products were able to find ways to lower the cost of their goods so that more people could utilize solar products in their own homes. Because of this reduced price tag, more people are buying solar products. More buyers mean more demand, which means increased profits for solar energy corporations. For investors, that means that investing in energy with these companies is a great way to make a profit and there has never been a better time to make that investment than now.

Companies like First Solar are leading the markets with their stock prices, but there are many options for investing in this type of energy when you’re considering it for yourself. Almost every major energy corporation in the industry is experiencing huge surges in sales and profits because of the ‘go green’ initiative that everyone is trying to become a part of. As the demand continues to grow and prices continue to drop for consumer products, this energy industry is only going to get bigger and better.

In the United States, primarily, solar energy investments are practically a sure bet for investors. Investing in energy usually has some ups and downs to be expected, but everything looks stable from the standpoint of most of this energy companies right now. Worldwide, these investments are growing, as well, reporting increases in shares, revenues, and shareholder profits across the board. Every country has their own clean and solar energy initiatives in place and that likely affects the popularity of these companies quite drastically. With all of this being said, there is something that all investors need to keep in mind.

Investing in energy like oil or other products might be a quick risk worth taking. Investing in solar energy, however, is more of a long-term stable investment that will gain significant profits over time. This companies aren’t exploding and they don’t have as many ups and downs as other energy products. This is what makes them great for people who are just starting out or those who are more conservative with their investments. Take the time to look at this type of energy corporations, stocks, and other investment options for yourself to determine the right move for your investment portfolio. If you’re playing it safe and looking for something that you can depend on, this just might be more information on investing in investment opportunities usually or normally not found in the marketplace, click here!…

General

Homemade Solar Panel

Homemade Solar Panel

Having to pay someone to come in and set up the power system on your roof can be very expensive and will cost thousands of dollars easily. It is much cheaper to do it yourself and the results can be just as effective. If you are interested in taking advantage of free and clean energy that comes from sun, then you really may want to think hard about adding those panels to your home. You’ll notice a difference in your electricity bill and you will also be doing your part to protect the environment.

I was always very curious about solar energy but I never came across the thought of building my own solar power systems but in this time of crisis where cost of living is rising, building your own solar power systems can go a long way providing not just financial solutions, but solutions to the problems of the world as well.

My question was, how do I create my own solar systems without knowing anything about it.

I found out that there are a ton of guides out there which can give you the detailed schematics. You will need some plywood, flexi glass, silicone, a soldering iron and some tabbing wires in order to complete your simple yet effective solution to electric bill problems.

It is true that PV cells, which are responsible for harnessing the sun’s energy, can be quite expensive and you can not build your own out of junk. But there is a way to acquire it with little cash. There are those who are selling chipped or used PV cells all over the internet and in other buy and sell ads around the country.

A quick search in the internet, a stop at your local bookstore or even a chat with your local hardware salesman can teach you how to complete this project on your own. I have done a long research, because my skills with tools aren’t as good as others but after trying couple of videos on YouTube and metacafe I finally came across DIY solar panel Home Kit. My home power system was complete for less than $180 after a week of work!

DIY easy to follow, fully illustrated manuals and step by step instructional videos and if you’re interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce your energy bill, then this is the solution for you.…

General

Solar Energy is the Way of the Future

Solar Energy is the Way of the Future

Mankind’s use of solar energy has a history that dates back centuries. Archimedes, renowned Greek mathematician and scientist, used the concentrated reflections of soldiers’ brass shields to set fire to enemy ships during the 2nd century B.C.E. By the 6th century A.D., the Roman emperor Justinian placed so much value on the sun’s warming energy that he established “sun rights,” laws guaranteeing every individual’s right to enjoy sunshine.

For centuries thereafter, scientists courted the sun and its potent heat and energy. In 1767, Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure constructed the world’s first solar collector. In 1883, American scientist Charles Fritts published a description of the first solar cells made from thin sheets of selenium, and in 1908, Carnegie Steel employee William Bailey invented a solar collector composed of copper coils contained in an insulated box, a design which is still in use today.

Through 1953, solar energy use was of the passive kind. But in 1954, solar energy took a new turn, as Bell Labs developed the first solar cell that was able to produce enough electrical current to run common electrical appliances and equipment. Twenty years later, University of Delaware researchers introduced the world to the power of solar panels, with the construction of Solar One, one of the world’s first solar-powered homes.

Today, solar panels are used in all types of construction, from residential to commercial to government buildings. Tax credits and a shift toward more sustainable fuel resources have helped increase the panels’ popularity. But the price of the panels and their installation can still be prohibitive to many individuals attracted by their “green,” earth-friendly footprint. Most homes require a substantial investment to install a system powerful enough to replace electricity and fossil fuels, and some experts have estimated it can take several decades for a solar panel system to pay for itself.

But despite its high cost and long “payback” time, solar is still attractive to many homeowners. Thousands of homeowners take the plunge every year and convert their homes to solar power. In addition to eschewing fossil fuels and creating a more earth-friendly profile, solar energy can allow homeowners to live “off the grid,” disconnecting from the stranglehold of major utilities like electric, oil, and natural gas. What’s more, when a home’s system makes more electricity than it needs, the homeowner can sell that extra electricity back to the local electrical utility. Don’t get too excited: even with that benefit, solar systems can still take decades to pay for themselves.

But just as the solar energy industry has evolved over the past millennia, homeowners interested in incorporating these shiny panels into their home’s design should keep their eyes open: tax breaks, advances in solar technology and increased competition among solar panel manufacturers have caused considerable price drops in recent years. If your home is situated in a position to soak up the rays, and you’re planning on staying put for awhile, solar panel installation might be a wise investment for you.…